Articles and Reviews... HER STRONG TOWER

I thought the book was definitely a romance novel which I don't normallyread but I was interested in the characters and it was an easy read. Thebook spent a lot of time with each persons emotions and thoughts whichreminded me of watching a soap opera, but I think that may have been theintention of the book. One of the details of the book that I thought wasvery refreshing was that all the significant characters in the book were inthe their forties instead of their twenties. So many books seem to havepeople that are successful and so young that it is difficult to believe,this was more realistic.

I thought you could have developed the relationship of the Mother andFather to the two college age children. It may be hard for children ofany age to realize divorced parents may have a social life.

Good luck on your next book.--------------------------

Other Reviews and comments:

Awesome...Samantha is just so good....and she's real - any women couldrelate. I wonder if (patient) men like Antoine really exist? It was agood book. Keep it up!----------------------------

Thanks - I finally read your book and really liked it Read it in two daysas had to see how it ended. Like those happy endings. Hear you haveanother one to the publisher....you go girl....

Barnes and Noble book review...

Review by Julius Davis...master musician

I just wanted you to know that I received your book yesterday in the mail . . . .and thanks so much for your kind words in the preface.

I also wanted you to know that I finished reading it about ten minutes ago, and had to let you know that I thought it was fantastic. WOW---your first novel and as far as I'm concerned, you hit this one out of the park!!!

I am ashamed to admit it, but I can't honestly remember the last time I actually started a book and finished it----it's been YEARS (DUUUH)---but I really couldn't put yours down.

You did an outstanding job----so how's the next one coming????

By the way, if any of your works make it to the big screen, can I write the music?? I promise I'll do it for free---seriously, I have always wanted to write a film score, so before Tyler Perry wants to buy the rights from you, or if Warner Bros., SONY, or Tristar Pictures comes calling with offers, just let them know that you already have a master musician to write all the music. (LOL)

Again, I really, REALLY enjoyed reading HER STRONG TOWER---and I'm not one for the romance novel---I'm still a MANLY MAN (LOL)---but your novel is a great read. Thanks so much for sharing it with me.

KEEP WRITING---YOU ARE GIFTED--this thing had me from the first sentence!!!!!!!!!

Author Fridays...Interview with Shannon Nicole Wells

Book Reviews...CAST THE FIRST STONE

By Robert Starr author of WHEN SHILOH COMES

Cast the First Stone is a beautiful story about the workings of God in the lives of His people.The story is touchingly poignant, and the characters are refreshingly human. The friendships are heart-warming and thought-provoking. Even the unfortunate 'villains' are all too believable in their failings.Regina Bell is an extraordinary young woman with a mistake in her past.Can she learn to trust the God who has already forgiven her; can she lean on Him and learn to forgive herself?Robert Ward is a strong and honorable young man with a touch of Pharisee in his character.So sure of his own strength, can he grow to find understanding for the failings of others and to recognize self-righteousness as a failing of his own?Victoria King has written an intense tale of the human condition, creating characters with strengths and weaknesses, good friends and less than noble acquaintances.But is any one of them worthy to Cast the First Stone?

Regarding your book "Cast the First Stone", I found the book to be easy reading; very well written. It is a book that, once started, is difficult to put down. The characters were all very well developed. The story, itself, continued to unfold with each page read. I was very interested in seeing how Robert would come to his senses. I anticipated something a bit more dramatic, but at least he came around. All's well that ends well!!

Keep up the good work Victoria; God Bless!!

A FRIENDLY BET...Critique

The Current Synopsis—Does it intrigue? Does it explain the story fully and uniquely?

The current synopsis is brief, attention grabbing, and it highlights the important aspects of this manuscript. I feel that a potential publisher will be intrigued with this synopsis and they will want to read the manuscript. Nicely done.

What is the power of the opening 3–5 sentences?

Glancing over at Jerome Hudson, Michael Lee Patterson smirked and shook his head. A devilish grin etched across Jerome’s face as he added his latest entry into his palm pilot.

Jerome more affectionately called it his virtual black book. Both Jerome and Michael watched as Tina Black, Jerome’s latest entry, sashayed away from them. Tina dressed pretty much like her predecessors, with tight halter tops and shorts or skirts that left very little to the imagination.

The opening sentences are powerful. These sentences introduce characters and a setting perfectly. The readers will want to continue to read.

Dialogue (if any)—Describe and comment.

Dialogue adds life and interest to fiction stories. Each new speaker should start a new paragraph, use double quotations, and have all punctuation marks inside the quotes.

“Nah man. I’m over that.” Jerome replied rather unconvincingly.

“Sure. Try telling that to someone who doesn’t know any better.”

“Anyway, if I decided to go after a different type of woman, that wouldn’t be a problem either. There’s no woman on campus I couldn’t get if I really wanted her.”

Michael’s jaw dropped as he turned to face him, “Oh, really? You mean any woman on campus is fair game to you? You’re telling me you would have very little difficulty charming your way into the panties of any female student at this school?”

“I wouldn’t have put it quite that bluntly, but yes you name her, she’s mine.” A wide, confident smile came across Jerome’s handsome face.

The dialogue fits the characters perfectly. The dialogue is natural sounding and true to life.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this manuscript. The plot was entertaining and it was fun watching as these characters evolve. I feel that this manuscript is well thought out, well paced, and well written. The manuscript flows smoothly throughout. There is constant movement. The characters interact well with one another and the readers can visualize themselves within these scenes. Nicely done.

In my opinion I feel that this material has potential for success. I truly wish you luck with this endeavor.

A FRIENDLY BET - review...

A Friendly Bet by Victoria King is a traditional love story with a twist. The story line keeps you craving for more, as the story reveals a friendly bet placed between two best friends regarding what began as a bet and ended in a love story. This story is one of the best entertaining and enjoyable reads for the summer of 2010!